The sinuses are a critical system of passageways that are vital to our bodily function. The proximity of these structures to the skull, eyes, and brain only serves to underscore the importance of their role. Much like any other integral body system, a malfunction of the sinuses can indicate more significant health issues. Today, we’ll look at five signs that may reveal an undiagnosed sinus issue so that you can receive proper treatment and diagnosis under the supervision of a sinus specialist.
Sinus Pain and Pressure
Fluid trapped in the sinuses can fill the sinus cavities, causing intense pain and pressure. Your sinuses may be sensitive to touch. You could have an urge to sneeze but be unable to do so. Pain can occur in the cheeks, around the eyes and nose, or in the forehead because these are the areas where sinuses reside. Bending over may make the pain worse. Sometimes, pressure and pain can even be intense enough to interfere with sleep.
Chronic Headaches
Infrequent headaches are commonly the result of overexertion, stress, or dehydration, but if you experience headaches regularly, you may be dealing with a sinus problem. Sinus infection headaches occur when the sinus passages behind your eyes, nose, cheeks, and forehead are congested. Sinus pressure headache symptoms may be felt on either or both sides of your head, though you may experience pain anywhere in the sinus area. In some instances, it can even give you a feeling of fatigue or aching in your top jaw. Redness and swelling of the cheeks, nose, or forehead can occur. Sinus headaches can happen seasonally if you have allergies, or they can occasionally appear alongside other irritations.
Prolonged Nasal Blockage or Discharge
If you’ve been dealing with a runny or stuffy nose for an unusually long period, it’s likely not due to a cold. Instead, it is commonly a sign of a more substantial sinus issue, such as sinusitis. Infection can often cause your sinuses to swell, making you congested. In contrast, it can also produce a cloudy, green, or yellow nasal discharge that may even bypass your nasal passage and travel down your throat, also known as postnasal drip.
Throat Irritation and Cough
The discharge from your sinuses draining down the back of your throat can cause irritation, especially when it occurs for an extended period. This occurrence can lead to a persistent and annoying cough, which can be worse when lying down to sleep or first thing in the morning after waking up. This irritation can make sleeping exceptionally challenging.
Bad Breath
Believe it or not, one of the first signs of a potential sinus infection is frequently a foul odor in the mouth. Since your sinuses become inflamed when infected, the mucus they produce cannot properly circulate. It often gets trapped and builds up in the mouth, creating a fertile environment for bacteria to grow and multiply, leading to bad breath.
Dr. Mandel’s Diagnostic Approach
At Florida Sinus & Snoring Specialists, Dr. Lee Mandel and his expert staff will ask you pointed questions about your symptoms and medical history, including how often you experience sinus-related illnesses and any past treatments doctors recommended. If your symptoms are related to the sinuses in any way, you may receive a Xoran Ultra-Low Dose Mini-CAT scan, as well as a nasal endoscopy, to determine the extent of your condition. These screenings can provide crucial details about why your sinuses might be bothering you.
Start Your Path to a Better Quality of Life
Do these types of sinus symptoms persistently plague you? If so, you need to contact the experienced and professional practitioners at Florida Sinus & Snoring Specialists. We have the resources and tools to diagnose your sinus issue and help you get on the path to a better quality of life through improved breathing. Contact us today at 954-613-8837 to schedule your appointment.
